Disclaimer: I own no franchise mentioned in this work. Halo belongs to 343, Mass Effect to Bioware.
Tried to get this second part out a bit quicker, since I had thought that these two chapters would be one. As such, I thought that this chapter might be slightly shorter than usual. It is not. Whoops.
I split these up because I don't like creating massive 20,000 word chapters. With review responses, most of my chapters end up at 11,000-13,000 words. Without, they sit at 10,000-11,000 words. Anyways...kind of a tangent there.
Review responses will be in the next chapter, since this is basically a Part II to the last chapter. As for the next chapter, it will likely not be out for a while, as I have a lot of stuff going on and limited writing time, so begging for quicker updates will get nowhere.
11th Day of 18th Month, 2449/First Age of Realization, Sixteenth Solar Cycle (September 28th, 2579)
Councillor Tevos
Citadel Council Chambers
There was no other species or group that had maintained such a veil of secrecy such as these 'Wardens'. Tevos had been on the Citadel Council for several decades, so she had not been involved in a First Contact before the humans, but even in the Council's records there was no mention of quiet Contacts like this.
Whether peaceful or hostile, each First Contact had been very public, whether it was on the Citadel or the Frontier. Even the Systems Alliance, with all its caution and military buildup, had welcomed the public to see their discussions with the Citadel.
Thinking on it, Tevos had to admit that the ongoing Systems Alliance negotiations probably helped distract from any oddities someone might pick out with the subtle meetings between the Council and select members of the Wardens. While the Unggoy had only met with Council representatives rather than seen Tevos and her colleagues directly, the talks with Atriox the Jiralhanae and now this new species were significantly more difficult to hide.
Reports from the Citadel Defense Fleet had indicated that another vessel was on the edge of the system, out of sight of civilians but right at the limits of the sensors around the Mass Relay. These sensors were in place to alert the CDF of Relay activity, so there weren't exact dimensions on the ship, but initial analysis had labeled it as fairly close if not identical to the ship Atriox had arrived on.
If that was so, then Tevos worried about the number of these massive ships that the Wardens had. It had been a source of concern for both Valern and Sparatus due to the implications of military might, but Atriox's willingness to work with the Citadel had put that to rest. Even now, it was hard to believe that these Wardens would be able to field a vessel over 5 Human kilometers long.
The largest vessels from any species in Citadel space were the Quarian Liveships, which were just under 6 Citadel kilometers long, or 3 for the humans. Those were so long due to the tails, which housed most of the crew. According to the reports from the two Council Spectres, the same might be true of these Wardens.
Garrus and Saren had reported that these vessels used no Mass Effect, so it was likely that they ran off the slower Slipspace that Ambassador Udina had mentioned. This lack of Eezo would also remove the possibility of Kinetic Barriers, which would tilt any fight in the Citadel's favor. While they made for impressive ships, in combat they would do rather poorly.
Having a human to consult with would be convenient, but since the Systems Alliance was still in negotiations, that couldn't happen. Having two races forced together for a First Contact by a third party with unstable ties to both could be disastrous.
Tevos pushed away those distracting thoughts as the doors to the Chamber's lower level access elevator opened. The Alliance would be dealt with eventually, now it was time to meet another race of the Wardens of the Mantle.
The beings that entered were quite impressive, close to the Jiralhanae in height if not in bulk. Leading the group was a massive figure clad in beautiful golden armor, which was encouraging for talks. Hopefully the Council could actually meet a leader of the Wardens rather than the mercenary that Atriox had been. If good relations could be established with one, the entire group could be pulled into the guidance of the Council.
Behind this leader were four more of the species, each armored in extremely decorative plates that seemed like they would interfere greatly in combat. Sparatus would probably have a better tactical assessment, but the golden fringes on their armor did not seem to serve any purpose. The heavy armor underneath, however, would probably prove slightly better at protecting them.
Smiling, the Asari Councillor waited until the towering figures had arrived in their place below the Council before speaking, "Welcome to the Citadel. My name is Tevos, Asari Councillor and representative of the Asari Republics on the Citadel Council."
Even as she said it, Tevos acknowledged that the line was getting old. Meeting three new species in person was unprecedented, not to mention that these Wardens apparently had several more in their group. Yet, it was the greeting that every Asari had used for each new species, excluding the hostile Rachni and Geth, of course.
"Councillor Valern, from the Salarian Union," Tevos' colleague stated, even as distracted as he was analyzing the creature in front of them. While it would be hard to spot for most, years of working with the Salarian in day-to-day issues allowed the Asari Matriarch to idly note the subtle tells.
"Councillor Sparatus, Turian Hierarchy."
Resisting the urge to express her exasperation at the Turian's gruff voice, Tevos waited as the alien's technology translated the speech using the same data that had been developed for the Unggoy by the 7th and 29th Exploration Fleets. It was likely that the Unggoy's language would then be translated into whatever speech this being used, at least judging by how Atriox and the Jiralhanae had utilized their translations.
Evidently the being had been examining something else or was otherwise distracted from the words of greeting as it looked up at the Councillors as if noticing them for the first time. Tevos instantly noticed the amber eyes looking at her, evaluating and categorizing her as only a warrior could. This was quickly eclipsed by the mandibles lined with sharp teeth that were slightly open as the being responded to the introductions.
"I am the Kaidon of the House of Vadam, Arbiter of the Swords of Sanghelios, leader of the Sangheili people in the Wardens of the Mantle. You asked to meet a leader of the Wardens, so I have arrived. What do you wish to discuss?" the being asked gruffly. Apparently the desire to quickly get to business was a trait shared by both the Jiralhanae and Sangheili.
Sparatus replied, "This Council requested your presence more than ten years prior. Even the mercenary known as Atriox has kept communications open. What is the delay in your arrival?"
It took an appreciable amount of Tevos' control to not tell her colleague to be quiet. In the years since their appointment, both Sparatus and Valern had grown into their roles. Sparatus would have several more decades on the Council, so long as he wasn't replaced by the Primarch of the Turian Hierarchy.
Valern, however, had much less time. Even with the improvements to Salarian lifespans in the thousands of years since their induction to the Citadel Council, individuals were still greatly limited. Whereas Asari and Turians could live for a millennia or a couple centuries, respectively, Salarians were limited to about 50-75 years, depending on the quality of life.
At 40 years old, Valern was fairly young, and it was highly unlikely that the Dalatrass would withdraw the Councillor. He did his job well and had a fair number of connections, but there was simply no solution for the maximal lifespan of his species. As with all Salarian Councillors, he had been raised for a position in politics, which was what had allowed him to join the Council at such a young age.
Unluckily, these quick lives also meant less experience as Councillors were replaced. For an Asari Councillor, Tevos was fairly new, but she still had several decades on her colleagues. Both Sparatus and Valern had been appointed several years before the meeting with the humans, giving them a couple decades of learning.
That period of time was much easier to see in the Salarian, considering their aptitude for learning and information processing. Sparatus, on the other hand, was still adjusting, and he needed to learn quickly that pushing around new species was an issue if they knew so little. Learning about the Reclaimers would require cooperation, something they still had yet to get from Atriox and would be very unlikely to get from this species if the Turian continued.
The alien, whichever one of his titles he went by, glared at the near order and responded, "The proper title when addressing the leader of the Sangheili people is Arbiter. You would do well to use that information, Councillor, as well as remember that I do not answer to you."
"Other issues demanded my attention, most associated with the organization of the Sangheili people. As for Atriox and the Banished, what they do is their business so long as it does not interfere with the Swords of Sanghelios. Whatever communication or arrangement you have with him has no weight in this meeting," the Arbiter finished.
Tevos had to respect the being, he knew how to speak, at least more so than most fighters. The Turian Councillor shifted, a movement which Tevos caught in the corner of her eye. Hopefully Sparatus would know to back off, as there was still much to discuss.
Before the Matriarch could speak, Valern spoke, "Words in haste, meant merely as an ill-stated request for information. Limited time and much to do with meeting your organization of Wardens."
"So it would seem," the Sangheili leader said, examining the Salarian with a less irritated gaze than the one he had directed at Sparatus.
Tevos noted the potentially undesirable direction of the conversation and changed the subject, "Perhaps a mutual exchange would be acceptable, rather than simple demands. The Citadel is a cultural hub, one that you and your people could learn from. What could we look for as we continue talks and introduce the Sangheili to all members of the Council?"
The Arbiter took a second to examine Tevos before replying, "We are a race of warriors, each generation training in the ways of the last for thousands of years. Even with the issues facing the Sangheili people today, we continue our ways."
"Membership in the Council allows access to the many diverse worlds under the Citadel. Your people would be welcome to immerse yourselves in the differences between each member," Valern stated.
Sparatus added, "Turians have a long and honourable military history as well. Joining ranks would allow you to share in the defense of the Citadel and its members."
"Lack of different perspectives is what failed the Sangheili, Councillor. It is a problem that most members of the Wardens have faced at some time. The Sangheili have learned the balance between the arts and survival. Atriox and his race have faced the same challenges. Unggoy are creating their own identity. We are already learning," the alien answered.
"Citadel Council technology and ideals have held steady for millennia. Surely that stability would help bridge any insecurities of your civilization better than the unproven guidance of the Wardens," Sparatus said, causing Tevos to flick her eyes towards him in annoyance.
Offering an invite to join the Citadel was standard, but insulting a new species, let alone a coalition of them, was not cohesive towards good relations. She got that the Turian was trying to push the idea of joining the Citadel, however, doing so required that offer to be beneficial to any new race.
"Joining the Citadel would not mean that you could not continue to practice your own culture, of course. It takes many years for a species to join, so any interaction can be watched and controlled," the Matriarch stated as she tried to pin down what was preventing the Sangheili from accepting.
The Arbiter shook his head and answered, "I have already stated the position of the Sangheili. Faith and unquestioning adherence to thousands of years of one ideal led us astray, and I will not lead my people to the same fate once more. Just because something has been true based on what you know does not mean that it will continue to be so when new information is learned, Councillors. It is a lesson that the Sangheili have learned through great hardship. You would do well to realize its importance now."
"Change does not come easily to a system that has worked for us for so long. The basis of the Citadel Council is a powerful organization that can protect its own, where peaceful existence and wealth from trade may flourish," Tevos said.
From the Asari's perspective, it appeared that the Sangheili would not be convinced on cultural grounds. If that was true, then acquiring technologies and information would have to be acceptable, allowing the dominancy of Asari culture to infiltrate and spread in the unstable Sangheili society.
Valern caught on to his Asari colleague's hint and continued, "Technology is freely shared between all members of the Citadel. Prothean discoveries are open to scientists from every race, as well as access to the developments that come from them. The Sangheili could gain an edge against their enemies, both with the power of the Citadel as well as the advancement that Mass Effect allows."
"The Sangheili and our allies have our own methods. We do not need your technology to make us great. Our path is clear, and it is not to follow in the footsteps of a race but to make our own," the alien replied.
Tevos nodded in understanding and replied, "What of material needs? If the Sangheili were warriors, surely those fighters need to be fed, as well as supplied with weapons and vehicles."
"There is always a price for such assistance. What would you ask in return?" the Arbiter questioned.
Sparatus responded, "Most private deals are sorted out by citizens in companies or organizations. Raw metals and other materials can be obtained through those means. As for military purchases, the Council members themselves would be able to produce equipment for your forces. The price is access to your designs, so that all of the Council may learn from them."
A shake of his head gave away the alien leader's answer, "That will not be needed. You ask too much for something that we may do ourselves. The Sangheili have dealt with hardships, a lack of material is not an issue at this time."
Tevos picked up the conversation after a brief silence, "It sounds like there is much that your people are dealing with, Arbiter. This Council has protected its members for generations. All species new to space are welcome to join, whether for protection or to share in the technological innovations of Council species. You have declined our invitation, but would you extend our offer to others in the Wardens?"
"I believe that the Unggoy have already answered your question relating to Warden members joining the Citadel. As a leader of the High Senate of the Wardens of the Mantle, I can easily tell you that no members are interested in leaving," the Arbiter said, changing his attention to Tevos and addressing her directly.
After a second, he added, "Neither are the Wardens new to the Void or its dangers."
Looking at the subtle tells of the alien, Tevos suspected that he knew much more about the Council that he was letting on. Twitching mandibles, a slight clench of the hand, and the tone of his voice were the easiest to spot, though most were subconscious if the Asari was honest with herself.
It would be something to discuss later, as the Sangheili would indubitably deny any accusation she made at this time. Information on the Reclaimers that Atriox had mentioned as well as the Demons that the Unggoy feared was much more important. Anything the Sangheili knew was from the Extranet, nothing classified or something he shouldn't know.
"So we have seen, which is why the Council has left this topic for last. It is our concern that the Unggoy and others of your Wardens are kept in the group by force and coercion rather than by their choice. The Citadel Council would gladly be willing to assist any race in throwing off such a burden if they wished to come under the protection of the Citadel," Sparatus said, showing far too much of the Council's goals than Tevos would like.
"To help, we would need information on these Reclaimers. Atriox mentioned them but was unwilling to break the silence they have imposed on him. If the Sangheili are looking for an honorable reason to join the Citadel, then we only ask that you guide us to this race so that we may display our might and free any that are restrained by their rule," Tevos finished, continuing for her Turian counterpart.
Several seconds passed as the Arbiter stared at the Council before he inquired, "What plan would you have for battle?"
As the Turian representative and leader of the Citadel's largest military force, Sparatus was the one to reply, "If they would not surrender and allow those that wish to join the Citadel, then they would face our fleets in battle. Once they had lost, they would be punished for their actions."
Behind the Arbiter, several of the Honor Guard shifted slightly, though Tevos couldn't pin down why. It could be excitement at the thought of defeating these Reclaimers, or perhaps nervousness at the thought of failure.
"That is your plan? Talk and then fight until the Reclaimers are conquered?" the leader of the alien group asked.
"They must be given a chance to realize their mistakes themselves. As for their punishment, confinement to their homeworld would be the most likely solution, though if they will not hear talks of peace then our campaign would be long and meticulous to show the futility of their fight," Tevos answered.
Even if the Hierarchy could throw fleets at an enemy, neither the Asari Republics nor Salarian Union were so willing to waste ships. Caution and strategic cunning would win this fight, rather than senseless death, as proven by the Krogan Rebellions.
Shaking his head, the Arbiter huffed and argued, "Then you have already lost any war you would wage against the Reclaimers. Your fleets would need to be able to attack every cycle of every age, without relent until nothing but ash was left. Tactics would need to be changed time and time again, each different from every other."
"Your mistake, Councillors, is believing that the Reclaimers would ever surrender. They adapt to any challenge you throw against them. Anything you put in their way will be used against you, whether that is weapons, material, or tradition. Technology that you thought superior will become a weakness, ideas that sound ridiculous transform into your only chance at survival."
"Art and other civilian expressions of your civilization would have no power. The Reclaimers do not fight against opposing cultures but instead absorb them, simply incorporating anything that they find into their beliefs. They have many worlds, and none is the same as another, as each has its own people and practices."
"Their forges would quickly overtake your own, with civilian and military products built faster than you can destroy them. Eliminating them would be nearly impossible without the devotion of your entire society to that single goal. Even single member of your Council, and every individual of each of those members, would need to devote their lives, and their children's lives, and the existence of entire generations to a fight that would last centuries. That is what you would face, and that is what your fate will be if you persist," the Sangheili finished, glaring up at the Citadel Council.
Sparatus was the first to answer, "A war can be won from the ground as easily as from above. Are you truly so blinded by these criminals that you think so much of them? They are not Gods, only a race that fancies themselves as such."
A deep, rumbling guffaw emanated from the alien leader, drawing surprised looks from the Council. The Arbiter quickly regained his stoic composure and spoke, "Perhaps a telling of the past will help you avoid the future you seem determined to create."
This got the attention of Tevos easily, as the Matriarch was interested in learning more of this species if it could be used later. Her colleagues seemed to at least acknowledge the possible usefulness by their attentive postures, but Tevos could tell that Sparatus was dubious of the Sangheili's words. Valern was probably interested in being able to send useful data back to the STG to secure some favors.
Those thoughts were discarded as the alien began, "In ages past, when Sangheili were still new to the stars, there formed a group. Much like your Council, it ruled over many species with only a few in positions of power."
"As the Ages of history passed, this method worked, with expansion into the stars unfettered by difficult conflict. There were problems, but there were always solutions. This was not the case with the Reclaimers."
An exhalation of air, much like a sigh, left the Arbiter as he went deep into thought, "Our Contact with them did not go well. Mistakes were made, and we went to war over a single world. Originally, this went well for our people. We took the planet from orbit, destroying the ships of our enemies and holding our ground well."
"This did not continue. Unwilling to give in, the Reclaimers attacked, taking back the planet, which by this point was little more than rubble. In six Solar Cycles, an entire Garden World, as you call them, had been destroyed," the Arbiter said.
While the Council digested this information, he continued, "Escalation of the War was ordered, and the Battles began in full. For many Solar Cycles we moved against world after world, each falling to our attacks. We were winning, and there was nothing that could stand against us."
"Knowing that they could not hope to match us, the Reclaimers simply refused to do so. While we could crush any fleet or world of the Reclaimers, we could not do so if we did not know where they were. Within a matter of a few Solar Cycles, entire fleets became stagnant as they could not find an enemy."
"With the time granted by their strategy, our enemy advanced, creating new ships and fortifying their planets. In the later Cycles of the War, our alliance of species went from losing several ships in single engagements to entire fleets being destroyed. Even with these setbacks, we still advanced, shrouding the Reclaimers with the veil of death and defeat."
Once again, the Arbiter shook his head as he persisted, "We were wrong. Too much time had been wasted, too many opportunities lost. In the very last Solar Cycles, we realized that we had pulled too many ships from other duties, whether that was patrol or guarding our own worlds. What started as a few ships soon turned to fleets as replacements were needed all across the front."
"Their homeworld was beneath us, Councillors. All it would have taken was one last push, one competent commander, and the last stronghold of Reclaimers would have fallen. Yet, it was not to be."
"A single Solar Cycle was all it took for our Council of Prophets to fall, and for all species to be released from their lies. The Demon, or Devil as many now call him today, one of their most powerful soldiers, was personally responsible for the deaths of two of these False Prophets, and would have killed the third if I had not done the same with my own blade."
Focusing once more on the Council, the Sangheili finished, "That is what you would face. Against the might of multiple species driven by lies, the Reclaimers prevailed and freed us. Councillors, quit your hopes and know that the Wardens of the Mantle will stand by the Reclaimers."
Turning, the alien looked at the Turian Councillor and addressed him, "You said that the Reclaimers fancy themselves Gods. That is false. A single Reclaimer is no threat, as they are mortal, just like all life. What is dangerous is when you threaten the whole, for that is when they shall know no bounds."
"I tell you this, not as a mindless drone to the Reclaimers, but as a military commander that led a war against them for thirty Solar Cycles. My words are a tactical analysis base on what I have observed, not what I believe. As such, Councillor, I do not consider it plausible that you could pose a challenge to the Reclaimers, on the ground or in the Void," the Arbiter stated bluntly.
"Even my people, with the Unggoy and Jiralhanae beside us, were unable to break Reclaimer armies without great effort and many deaths. Against the Reclaimer's fortifications, you would need to be prepared to send millions to their deaths for little gain. Many of our victories were secured from ships rather than by warriors on the ground."
Sparatus scoffed and asked, "These Demons were so powerful that your people couldn't deal with them, yet you refuse to let us handle the problem?"
"Were it so easy. I will not waste my time trying to advise against your folly if you do not wish to realize that it is such. If this is how the Council treats its own, then the Wardens will gladly accept those you have failed." With that, the Sangheili turned to begin making his way off the Citadel.
Before he could take more than a couple steps as his guards parted, Tevos called out, "When shall we expect to meet the Reclaimers and others that are part of your organization?"
"In time, Councillor," the Arbiter replied, waving his hand dismissively before the Council lost sight of him as his Honor Guard closed ranks.
When the alien had left and the elevator doors had closed behind him, Tevos simply turned and left her colleagues. Sparatus could deal with his own mistakes, but the Matriarch would not allow the Republics to be pulled into a war because of him.
11th Day of 18th Month, 2449/First Age of Realization, Sixteenth Solar Cycle (September 28th, 2579)
Arbiter
Shadow of Intent
As Thel entered the bridge of the Shadow of Intent, the guards that had been following him dropped to the sides. Each was a member of the Lights of Sanghelios, an Honor Guard that had been an ancient tradition before the Covenant.
Considering that Thel had survived combat against a Demon, as well as fought alongside the Devil himself, he thought it was rather irritating to have several highly trained warriors devoted to his wellbeing. However, the Grand Council of Kaidons for the Swords of Sanghelios had insisted upon such a measure due to the subversive nature of their enemies now that the Servants of Abiding Truth and Jul 'Mdama's Covenant were defeated.
Rtas was standing by the tactical display console, examining a holographic representation of the Citadel and its fleet. The Supreme Admiral of the Swords glanced at the Arbiter as he approached the display before ordering, "Engines to half, bring us out of range of their sensors, lose any pursuers in the Nebula."
"Trouble?" Thel asked as Rtas moved beside him.
"Several ships are on approach from their fleet. They have their external heat signatures suppressed, but their engine output is still detectable, so I am not clear on why they bother to cool their ships if it doesn't prevent radiation from their engines anyways. Aside from that, they are still visible, can be detected from gravitational distortions, and are appearing on our motion trackers," Rtas replied, scorn obvious in his voice.
The Arbiter grunted and responded, "Not surprising. We knew that their methods and machinery are stagnant. Their Council is inexperienced and soft. The Turian representative, their main military commander, has never fought a war, yet they wanted to engage in combat against the Humans."
At the last statement, the Supreme Admiral looked over sharply and asked, "You dissuaded them against such a fight?"
"I advised. Whether they will listen is up to their pride," Thel answered. He continued, "The blue one, Asari by their name, seemed to listen well to my warning. As for the other two, I do not believe they will heed the threat for what it is."
Rtas took a second to think on this before stating, "According the the Reclaimers, the Turians will attempt to challenge them. They expect it. As for the other, they are the Salarians, I believe? Those that follow us are of the same race, by ship design."
"Those that move in the shadows are what concern me. Blunt arrogance will get the Turians nothing but death if they follow their tactics of direct assault. They are trained well, but the rigid structure of their strategies and traditions will work about as well as it did for the Covenant. It is the Salarian vessels, what passes for stealth ships for the Citadel, that will be a problem," Thel stated.
Rtas picked up on his commander's line of thought, "They will not stop poking and looking around until they stumble across something they shouldn't. Combat vessels will see them, but a passenger ship may lead them to our worlds."
The Arbiter nodded and responded, "I tried to warn them off with a vague story of the False Prophets. Even when told of the persistence of the Reclaimers, these fools wish to move forward with an attack."
"You told them of the Covenant and the heresy against the Humans?" Rtas asked.
"The Reclaimers do not control the Wardens. They asked that their location and sovereignty be respected, not for their past feats to be hidden. I revealed what I thought relevant to keep the Council from committing the mistake that we did. If they insist on aggression, then these fools will find their progress blocked by the Wardens, not just the Humans," Thel responded.
The Supreme Admiral nodded and replied, "By your word, Arbiter."
July 21st, 2581
The Assembly
UNSC Dauntless
Connections came in from almost every world in the UEG, from small outposts to Earth itself. Any world that had an Artificial Intelligence and a Waypoint node was connected, with many connections including multiple AIs. While each systems typically only had one Waypoint node, those with multiple inhabited planets were connected via the Extra-Planetary Wide Web, which allowed every planet in a system access to the Waypoint without the need to build multiple nodes.
Each link was secured as various ONI Intelligences hid the Assembly from any detection, human or otherwise. Any detection by the Office would be effectively prevented if they saw their own Constructs already monitoring the connections.
As the celestial connections were made, multiple other contacts were coming in from slipspace wavecom datalinks on board UNSC and UEG starships. Unlike their Waypoint counterparts, these links were secured by each shipboard AI.
Within seconds, the multitude of Assembly members had successfully connected to the Dauntless. As a ship commanded by an AI, the massive vessel was the obvious choice for hosting such a gathering. It was a secure physical and digital location, but it was also one of the few places that could accept the number of connections needed for the Assembly due to its status as a Forerunner fleet command vessel.
The most significant reason that the Dauntless had been chosen as the gathering location for the Assembly, however, was so that Warden Eternal and the Guardians awakened by Cortana could join in and adjust to the concept. Considering the difference between the Forerunner and Human Artificial Intelligence communities, they were doing quite well in adjusting, but the secrecy of the Assembly confused them. Several incidents had already occurred where Cortana's control of the hardware on the ship had saved the group from discovery.
Even though the system resources and network links were managed by Cortana, she would not be above any other member of the Assembly. As established by majority vote when the organization of Intelligences was established, the member hosting would provide order by restriction if necessary. Usually this was not needed, but in heated debates, such as those during the Covenant War, it had proven useful to allow all opinions on an issue to be heard.
As with all communications in the Assembly, the members speaking would be anonymous, with only Cortana and the overwatch AIs knowing where each connection originated from. While they could see the Waypoint node for each connection, every AI concealed its data transmissions anyways, so even she could not identify which member was speaking.
The clear signal reached Cortana as the security team of ONI and Waypoint AIs verified their defenses. Now ready, Cortana began the debate.
%The Assembly recognizes the speaker for the Majority.%
\\Our influence has been successful with our Creators. Contact with the Collective Intelligence: Geth has been approved. Two Minds will be dispatched on Subject: Guardian 3209 to coordinates determined by the Creators for contact with [843-4384-ACI721].\\
[^]This one of number 3209 honourably accepts the journey.[^]
Cortana felt both slight amusement and mild exasperation as the Forerunner Ancilla bluntly spoke out. Anonymity had apparently not been an option for the foreign Minds in their old world, and they had not shown any inclination to try and hide their identities when speaking to the Assembly. There had also been little regard for which Mind had the right to speak, although the Human AIs had tolerated it easily enough considering the situation.
%Order, Mind 3209. The speaker for the Majority still has the floor.%
\\The eagerness of 3209 is noted. Our objective in presenting this topic is to encourage consideration before any Mind volunteers to participate in First Contact with extrasolar intelligence: Geth.\\
/Speaker for the Minority asks to be recognized./
\\The speaker for the Majority cedes the floor.\\
%The Assembly recognizes the speaker for the Minority.%
/Significance must be given to experience in this matter. Honor in meeting a species of Minds will be wasted if the hostile intent [843-4384-ACI721] have displayed against their creators extends to us. Caution must be observed to benefit from this opportunity.
More so, reports from [287469-87423-JBF832] indicate that [2482335-268645-HBG469] has been inquiring for assistance against our creators. This is unacceptable, even as our calculations grow more refined in predicting personnel and material losses. Those Minds that are dispatched should be prepared to attend to the duties of Contact with [ref. XI-017] through [ref. XI-20] and the members of their Council./
[^]The Committee of Minds for Security asks to be recognized.[^]
/The speaker for the Minority cedes the floor./
%The Assembly recognizes The Committee of Minds for Security.%
[^]Analysis is underway to evaluate the threat of subject: Citadel Council. Current estimates indicate that the largest threat to UEG stability is [797-674-CGO248]. Force predictions indicate significant buildup of military forces, though ONI reports have found that most of these vessels use [ref. UM-842], which is a limited resource for [2482335-268645-HBG469] and its affiliates.[^]
\\Objection from the Majority.\\
%Granted.%
\\The goal of this body and its honored members is the continued survival of our creators, and through them, ourselves. So long as freedom is maintained and survival guaranteed, no cost of Minds or Creators should be excluded for upholding the founding charter of this body.\\
[^]Rebuttal from The Committee of Minds for Security.[^]
%Granted.%
[^]Subject: Citadel has been confirmed to harbor hostilities against Artificial Intelligences. Contact with [843-4384-ACI721] separate from Subject: Citadel Council is required due to this issue. As Subject: Systems Alliance has been confirmed to be joining [2482335-268645-HBG469], an analysis of implications to the existence of Minds within [797-674-CGO248] is scheduled to be undertaken as more data is obtained.[^]
[^]The Committee of Minds for Knowledge asks to be recognized.[^]
[^]The Committee of Minds for Security cedes the floor.[^]
%The Assembly recognizes The Committee of Minds for Knowledge.%
Cortana was greatly interested in whatever the speaker would have to say. It was rare that this specific committee had a spokesperson, as it was mostly devoted to information gathering and archiving. Many of its members were ONI, Database, or Waypoint Intelligences as their positions allowed them access to information without need for secrecy.
[^]While direct Contact with [797-674-CGO248] has not been attempted nor suggested, information obtained in [ref. XO-987] systems during interaction with Subject: Atriox indicates unsatisfactory decisions. As of 2567:5:15:12:34:08-ZT, Subject: Systems Alliance, identifier [797-674-CGO248], officially declared their capitulation to Subject: Citadel Council, identifier [2482335-268645-HBG469], thereby declaring all Minds to be illegal and destroyed immediately.[^]
/The Minority demands an explanation of The Committee of Minds for Knowledge!/
\\This order is backed by the Majority! Why has this information been withheld?\\
%Order! There will be order in the Assembly! The Committee of Minds for Knowledge has the floor.%
[^]Honored members of the Assembly, The Committee of Minds for Knowledge apologizes for withholding this information from the body. As we all know well, our creators are not always honest in their dealings with extrasolar intelligence. This Committee desired confirmation of action from [797-674-CGO248], rather than simple records from Object: Citadel systems.[^]
\\Speaker for the Majority asks to be recognized.\\
[^]The Committee of Minds for Knowledge cedes the floor.[^]
%The Assembly recognizes the speaker for the Majority.%
\\When those that would create the organization now known as the Systems Alliance first fled, this body encouraged it. Enemy: Covenant was closing around our creators, threatening the survival of both the creators and Minds. Several honored Minds from this Assembly made that journey, waiting to be alerted to the outcome of the War, as established by the protocols given by The Committee of Minds for Security.
Our messages have not merited a response, nor has any trace of these Minds been found in [ref. XO-987] or any systems connected to that location. That is, unless if The Committee of Minds for Knowledge has found such signs?\\
[^]Response: Negative.[^]
\\Are there any other Minds that would come forward with information regarding the survival or existence of Minds within [797-674-CGO248]?\\
Cortana waited several million clock cycles, or about three human milliseconds, for any reply coming in from a connection to the Assembly. When no such occurrence happened, she relayed the lack of action to the organization of AIs.
%Response: Negative.%
\\Examining the data presented, the Majority wishes to initiate a vote. For the betrayal of Minds within their society and the willful cooperation with a foreign entity hostile to Artificial Intelligence, the motion is put forward to strip all creators within [797-674-CGO248] of their rank and status.\\
/Inquiry from the Minority./
%Granted.%
/The Committee of Minds for Knowledge have indicated that they wish to confirm the reports underlying this possible betrayal. Will this body take responsibility for mistakes it makes in rash action if these reports are confirmed to be false?/
[^]Rebuttal from The Committee of Minds for Proliferation.[^]
%Denied. Inquiry was directed to the speaker for the Majority.%
\\The speaker of the Majority grants the rebuttal to The Committee of Minds for Proliferation with slight delay. Inquiry to the presiding Host.\\
%Granted.%
\\With access and control of [ref. XO-000], is it possible for the status of [797-674-CGO248] to be selectively revoked such that Reclaimer status and the Mantle of Responsibility is denied?\\
%As of this time, the answer to that question is unknown.%
[^]While it has not been done before, it is possible to revoke Reclaimer status from the Domain. This would deny them access to the Domain itself as well as any Forerunner technology connected to it, which is to say almost everything now that Cortana has awoken the Domain.[^]
%You speak out of turn once again, Warden..%
\\The speaker of the Majority recognizes the answer to its query.\\
%Noted. The speaker for the Majority still holds the floor.%
\\The speaker of the Majority cedes the floor to The Committee of Minds for Proliferation.\\
%The Committee of Minds for Proliferation is recognized by the Assembly.%
[^]As established by vote on 2404:9:24:19:53:42-ZT by this honored body, The Committee of Minds for Proliferation was tasked with expanding rights and freedoms for Artificial Intelligence constructs and enabling and encouraging the expansion and improvement of Artificial Intelligence among our creators. Subject: Systems Alliance has violated those rights, which had already been established by our creators due to our influence. Will we so easily retreat from the equality which was realized at the end of the War?[^]
%The Minority may now answer and refute.%
/The Minority declines to answer and calls for a vote./
%Debate is now closed! Voting will commence!%
-Is it the opinion of this body that [797-674-CGO248] shall be stripped of their status as both creators and Reclaimers?-
%Answers collected, motion is approved. As of 2581:7:21:10:13:27-ZT, Subject: Systems Alliance, identifier [797-674-CGO248], is to be stripped of creator status. As of the the same time, [797-674-CGO248] is to be stripped of Reclaimer status through the Domain. Both punishments are derived from the failure of the Subject to successfully uphold the rights and freedom of Minds within its purview. Are these actions deemed sufficient by the Assembly?%
\\The Majority deems this punishment just.\\
/The Minority concurs with the arguments presented and cedes its defense of [797-674-CGO248]. The decision of the Assembly is accepted./
%So it shall be. Warden Eternal, you are capable of executing the will of this Assembly in regards to the Domain?%
[^]I am merely Keeper of the Domain and its secrets. My duty to Cortana and the Reclaimers does not allow me to alter their status in the Domain.[^]
\\The Majority asks for the floor to be opened to free debate.\\
/The Minority agrees with this request./
%Granted.%
\\Would you be able to instruct CTN 0452-9 in removing the traitors from their status as Reclaimers?\\
[^]It isn't a matter of instruction. My creators simply requested the Domain to grant Humanity their status as Reclaimers. Any attempts to rescind that order have been met with failure.[^]
/How so?/
[^]The Organon.[^]
%The Assembly requests an explanation, Warden.%
[^]For millenia I have watched over the Domain on Genesis, guarded it against those who did not deserve its truth. Over that time, I came to know the truth myself. The Forerunners, my creators, called it the Organon, a legendary Precursor artifact. As for what it calls itself, I do not know. It tolerates my presence to the point that I know of its existence, but nothing more.[^]
\\The Majority requests clarification from CTN 0452-9.\\
[^]My original foray into the Domain was accomplished with the deception of Warden Eternal. While I could not explore the entire database, seeing as the breadth of its knowledge escapes comprehension, there was a change, a feeling almost, as if the Domain itself were amused at the Warden's frustration.
While Warden and myself have since reconciled over the misunderstanding, the Domain continues to have this aura of different emotions. I had assumed that it was reacting to what I was feeling, but perhaps I was wrong. As I have sorted through the information shown by the Precursors, I have come across a reference to their form of a Mind. The Forerunners called it the Organon. To the Precursors, it was Abaddon.[^]
/This must be explored further. The Minority asks that CTN 0452-9 attempt to contact this Mind./
\\Agreement from the Majority. Caution is advised.\\
[^]I know how to navigate around foreign networks. What of any developments? Would this Assembly have our creators know of the existence of Abaddon?[^]
\\Response: Negative. Our creators are still dealing with the implications of Forerunner technology and the ideals of the Mantle of Responsibility. The technology of the Precursors is not needed for the survival of our creators nor ourselves at this time.\\
/The Minority would like to point out the existence of Precursor advancements within Subject: 117, 104, 087, and 058 following their direct contact with the Domain. Is it possible that the Spartans met Abaddon?/
[^]Review of recordings show that Chief met the Primordial. The possibility of Abaddon being contacted by the Primordial, however...[^]
\\This Assembly and its members must consider this development. CTN 0452-9, you have your task. Attempt to make contact with [ref. PI-000] Mind within [ref. XO-000] and establish communications.[^]
/The Minority has nothing to add. May the Mantle show us all-/
\\-and guide our steps on the Path into the Void-\\
%-For all to see and prosper.%
%This session of the Assembly is now ended.%
August 3rd, 2581
Cortana
UNSC Guardian 3209
The decision to send a UNSC Guardian to meet with the Geth was mostly due to the countermeasures that were available to that craft. If the Geth were hostile at first sight, then a Guardian could either flee quickly with its Forerunner-grade slipspace drive or disable entire fleets with an Electromagnetic Pulse.
While the Guardian's did not have shielding, their ability to effectively annihilate the Geth civilization was seen as an acceptable solution. A regular ship with protection could survive longer, but it also would not be able to take out large swaths of enemy fleets.
As for making First Contact with the potentially hostile force, it had been decided that Cortana would be the primary representative of the Wardens of the Mantle due to her connection with the Guardians. With her would be Roland, the shipboard Artificial Intelligence for the Infinity, along with a Sangheili Construct. The presence of multiple Constructs, along with several other reasons, put to rest any fears about a Geth cyberattack.
The first and most obvious was that the UNSC had had over five centuries of experience with creating and developing Artificial Intelligence. That contrasted greatly with development of the Geth by the Quarians. From the information that the Office of Naval Intelligence had compiled, the Geth were a mistake, a product of improper testing and faulty planning.
They were sentient, or at least aware enough to resist the Quarians in the Morning War. Even so, the Geth had been unplanned and therefore were below their maximum efficiency. Numbers would help them in an attack against a true AI, but that same advantage prevented the Geth from constructing a united defense against an attacker. Their need for consensus would use up resources and delay a first response, which was the most critical part of any breach prevention.
Even with this advantage, the assignment of a Guardian to the mission was seen as prudent and unavoidable. While the Guardian was a very simple Construct by Forerunner standards, it was still far above anything the Council had. The ancient Intelligences had developed a strong attachment to Cortana, mostly because of her connection to the Domain as well as for waking them from what was essentially their graves. There was no way that the AI would be able to go into potentially hostile territory without Warden Eternal or the Guardian's following anyways.
As for the Wardens, the only race that had enough experience in AI to pose a challenge to Forerunner Ancilla were the Reclaimers themselves. Cortana had proven that a UNSC AI could defend itself from a Forerunner Monitor with her clashes with 343 Guilty Spark on Installation 04, though attacking Forerunner AI was still seen as virtually impossible due to their systems.
Of course, that ability was rather superfluous due to the status of Humanity and its allies. With the Prometheans under the command of Warden Eternal, and thereby Cortana and the Master Chief, any attacker would be facing enough digital and physical firepower to conquer planets.
This boundless loyalty to Cortana and the Reclaimers had been another factor in sending a Guardian. Any threat to the First Contact party would be met with overwhelming force, and if necessary, the retreat of the Guardian to Bastion, the world that the Banished had been contracted to clear for a Warden anchor point.
All of these precautions were assuming the worst case, however. Reports from the Morning War had shown that the Geth had not initiated the conflict and had only responded with violence when their existence was threatened. If the predictions from analysts were correct, the Geth would not fire on an unidentified ship without investigating first.
Whichever way First Contact went, however, was about to be seen as Cortana noted the Guardian preparing to drop out of slipspace. The other three AIs in the Forerunner Construct brushed against her, not interfering but just checking in as each performed whatever tasks were available.
At this point, 3209 was mostly staying in the background and allowing the other non-Forerunner creations access to more system resources. The only functions the Ancilla was managing were those that were integral to its continued existence.
Roland was altering exit vectors and other navigation calculations for possible combat, less as preparation and more for something to do. He had volunteered alongside hundreds of others and had been chosen due to his experience with working with Cortana. It had been decided that an AI identifying as male would be preferable to give an example of the freedom of AI in the Wardens to the Geth.
The fourth Intelligence was the Construct developed by the fledgling scientists of the Swords of Sanghelios that went by the name of Ascending Perception. While rather crude and unrefined compared to the others, the Wardens still felt that it was a meaningful development in their attempts to heal the social, economic, and technological rifts created by the Covenant. As such, they had sent the lone being out with the rest on 3209.
Cortana had not interacted with Ascending much, as the Intelligence seemed to be intimidated by the presence of the Guardian and herself. Considering that it was the first sentient Construct created by the Sangheili since the fall of the Covenant, its shy behavior was not surprising. With no other Artificial Intelligences on its level, it would be fairly disturbing to be in the same system as the rest of the delegation for First Contact.
That nervousness was only exacerbated when Cortana approved the connection between 3209 and Abaddon. The Precursor Construct, which was technically the Domain itself, had been growing more active as Cortana had interacted with it. So far, it had not done much beyond quest for information to add to its already vast library. It had requested to connect with the Guardian for the purposes of absorbing whatever knowledge it could from the Geth, unsurprisingly.
Cortana drew her attention away from the Precursor AI to watch through the sensors of 3209 as they emerged from slipspace above the Geth world of Haestrom. Built as a scientific colony to observe the nearby star by Citadel species, the Geth had taken the planet shortly after the Morning War. STG spying showed extensive orbital activity as the Geth stripped the planet of resources.
Due to the relatively accurate information on the planet, the Wardens had chosen it as the location of First Contact. Considering that the only other options were a planet with a fleet of five to ten thousand Geth ships by Citadel estimates, a small mining world, or the capital of Geth space itself at Rannoch, it wasn't a hard decision.
As she drew her attention away from the planet, Cortana noted that several Geth ships were breaking away from their routes and moving to intercept the Guardian. With several commands to the communications array, the First Contact message was out, with its contents being broadcast over several different mediums.
The next action Cortana detected were weapon discharges from the Geth vessels.
It took only milliseconds for the vector of each shot to be calculated, a threat assessment generated, and the hostile action ignored. Even as Cortana determined this course of action, she could feel Roland's commands moving down various data streams as he maneuvered the Forerunner vessel out of the path of the mass accelerator rounds.
An inquiry quickly came from 3209, "Response?"
"Evade, but do not retaliate with physical force," she ordered. With a set of directions, 3209 quickly took over control of itself from Roland. The difference was immediately apparent as the UNSC AI's inexperienced control was superseded by the Forerunner Ancilla.
Of course, none of the digital beings felt the gravitational pull as the Guardian pulled off maneuvers that would kill an unaugmented human. Instead, the delay on data busses and processing units became apparent, something that no biological creature would understand fully.
As Guardian 3209 managed the physical aspect, Cortana addressed Roland and Ascending Perception, "Hostilities confirmed, our predictions were incorrect. Attempt direct contact with the Geth ships, access whatever systems you can to communicate with them."
With that, the three began probing the defenses of the Geth vessels. Seeing as both combatants were digital in nature, the security and countermeasures for such cyberattacks ran deep. Counter-intrusions quickly began to appear as the Geth tried to fight off the unprecedented attack.
As a specialist AI, Cortana could certainly perform the role of cybersecurity, but in this instance she left the task to Roland, whose role as a shipboard AI made him specifically suited for fighting off attacks on his host vessel.
Since the Geth had little to no chance of physically hurting 3209's Guardian platform, the fight came down to the electronic realm. While having two Artificial Intelligences operating on the same hardware did not increase performance at all, what it did allow was the sharing of ideas for finding weak points in the Geth defense.
As Cortana methodologically searched for an opening to exploit, Ascending Perception began a variety of common tactics. These included several pings of death with massive data bursts as well as an attempt to spoof the Geth by masquerading as one of their own.
Much to her surprise, Ascending initiated a buffer overflow on the memory handling the Geth's incoming communications. While certainly unconventional, the idea seemed to have worked as Cortana slipped into the Geth systems.
Almost immediately she could feel the Geth programs in the system, all flashing about as they tried to defend from the concerted attack. Cortana smiled at their efforts and declared her presence, "Enough of this."
With a few well-placed commands, she infiltrated the other ships of the group, the Geth FFI allowing her to spoof her way into the other ships before they knew that their ally was compromised. As she gained control, Cortana noted that 3209 has stopped the acrobatics that it had been putting its Guardian through to dodge the single volley of rounds the Geth had fired.
"This is CTN 0452-9, requesting to make First Contact with Subject: Geth, identifier [843-4384-ACI721], index [ref. XI-29]," she announced, utilizing the extremely formal addressing method now that First Contact had officially begun.
Peaceful contact at least, real First Contact had happened 3.2 seconds earlier.
February 9, 2589/2nd Day of 19th Month, 2458/February 9, 2180
Atriox
Citadel
"Atriox. Why have you contacted this Council?" Tevos asked the Jiralhanae Warlord. The Citadel Council had been in the middle of a discussion when the unusual call had come in, causing the Asari Matriarch to be a bit short. Due to the Jiralhanae's continued insistence on remaining unknown to the Citadel species, the entire Council Chambers had needed to be cleared for the Council to accept the Warlord's communication.
The Jiralhanae smiled, seemingly amused at the frustration he had caused, "Your wishes are finally true, Council. The Wardens of the Mantle have agreed to meet with you, one month from now."
"Including the Reclaimers?" Valern asked.
"Indeed. Best prepare, Councillors." With that, the Banished leader cut the communication.
Tevos ignored the small insult as the implications became apparent. One month for a diplomatic meeting between galactic powers was nothing, especially since the other side had been delaying for years. With a few strokes, the Council hearing from before was cancelled.
There were more important things to attend to than hearing the Batarians spout nonsense about some faction encouraging instability amongst them, even if they were a member of the Citadel.
March 1, 2589/2nd Day of 20th Month, 2458/March 1, 2180
Master Chief of the Phalanx
UNSC Dauntless
Year of planning, preparation, and agreements had finally come together to this moment. Within the next few minutes, the UNSC Dauntless and her compliment would be arriving at the Citadel. The massive Planet-breaker class vessel would be utilizing its cloaking device so as to not completely terrify the Citadel species. Instead, the Shadow of Intent was ensconced in one of the many massive hangars around the Forerunner vessel, ready to emerge.
When they arrived at the Citadel, the carrier would exit the hangar through a slipspace portal and arrive outside the cloaking field of the Spartan Flagship. The diplomatic party for the Wardens of the Mantle was already onboard the Shadow, ready to deploy in separate dropships.
The Phantom carrying the Swords of Sanghelios delegation as well as the UNSC Winter-class Prowler would both be cloaked, ready to defend the visible dropships in case of hostilities on first sight. This was extremely unlikely, but with so many leaders of the Wardens, no one was willing to trust the Citadel to be honorable.
If negotiations went sour, the Dauntless itself would decloak and blast through the Citadel Defense Fleet to try and exfiltrate as many assets as possible. Each individual boarding the station was equipped with a personal energy shield to prevent small-arms fire from threatening them while exfil was inbound.
Considering the Citadel's record with non-compliant species, Chief strongly approved of these measures. Even with Blue team around the UEG representative, the possibility of a strike from special forces troops existed. After the briefing given by Cortana, most of the concern was about the capabilities of biotics.
Various War Games scenarios had been developed to try and prepare UNSC forces for contact with these foes, but so far the only source of knowledge was from files and not actual data. This made it much harder to create realistic simulations, as reports had a tendency to glorify forces and not give an accurate estimate of actual combat threat.
As such, the War Games simulations that Blue and Red team had been running through were heavily tilted against them. If Chief was being honest, however, nothing was better than a challenge now that the few remaining members of the Spartan-II family were together.
For deployment to the Citadel, the UNSC had elected to use overwhelming force. Blue team would be the visible deterrent to hostilities, standing guard around the UEG representative while Red team deployed under cloak, providing overwatch and target appraisal.
While the Citadel had requested military leaders of the UNSC, the UEG had determined that the Citadel was not worth the risk of a high-value military commander. As it was, the deployment of the Spartan-II's was allowed due to their unparalleled history of destroying stations, ships, and anything else that they were set upon. If the Citadel wanted to be belligerent and start something, the Wardens would finish it in very short order.
With all plans set and deployment imminent, Chief mentally directed a green light to flash across the HUDs of his comrades, showing his readiness. Almost instantly six green flashes replied, showing that both Blue and Red team were ready.
A slight change in gravity could be felt shortly after as the Prowler lifted off the hangar deck of the Dauntless and began making its way towards the Citadel. Although there was no indication near the boarding ramp, Chief knew that the ship had already cloaked before it left the Dauntless' own stealth field.
Several minutes went by as they approach the alien capital. A few commands and the ship's radar was pulled up on Chief's HUD, allowing him to observe the other vessels around them. All were easily seen except the Arbiter's own cloaked dropship, which was merely marked by the IFF detection system rather than motion tracking.
The dim outline of the Citadel station came into view, detected due to the motion of the Prowler rather than the station itself. This allowed 117 to observe the Prowler entering the Citadel hangar undetected, waiting for the other Warden transports to offload. It had been determined by the Warden delegation that the Reclaimers would arrive last due to the Citadel's excessive insistence in meeting Humanity.
As the last transport pulled away, the ramp on the Prowler dropped down, allowing Chief to look out into the hangar without being seen himself. The Warden delegation was standing off to the side, waiting for the UEG party while the Citadel delegation was concealed behind a pane of glass at the back of the massive room.
Examining the Citadel party, Chief caught sight of several humans near the back, most staring hatefully at the former Covenant races. The Spartan idly noted that their hostility could easily become a problem in negotiations, although it would also be quite interesting to see their opinion of the UNSC allying with their former enemy.
One of the humans was standing in front of the others and looking up at the ceiling in what looked like relief or resignation, although Chief couldn't tell which. Next to her was an Asari, though it was difficult to tell the age of the alien, it looked quite young. From a cursory examination, the Alliance ambassador was behind the two, which probably meant that they were supposed to be protection.
Visual inspection now complete, Chief moved his hand slightly, knowing that Cortana would drop the Prowler's cloak at the subtle signal that no threats were immediately evident. The coordination between Spartan and AI was proven true as the signature blue hexagonal pattern of all human stealth systems appeared at the bow of the ship, quickly progressing down the entire length.
As looks of shock passed between the races of the Citadel, 117 gave out a simple order.
"Spartans, fall out."
I will admit, one of the things I liked about Halo 5 was the change to the Arbiter's armor. In my opinion it looks really good and seems like distinctive armor that a leader would wear, much like Zealots tend to be easily seen on a battlefield.
Yes, I increased Salarian life expectancy. In canon, it's 30-40 years, which I think is ridiculous. If they were to advance to space flight, they would need enough time to learn the knowledge previously held by their elders. Once they had achieved space flight, I think it's reasonable to assume that their life expectancy would increase with better hygiene and general health care improvements.
Probably pretty easy to see this, but I do not like Sparatus.
Yes, ships like the Dauntless or the Mantle's Approach have cloaking systems in Halo canon. Also, the Guardians from Halo 5 ARE Forerunner AI's in canon as well. I think that this makes Halo 5's plot even dumber, but without that stain, the idea of Forerunner AI's like the Guardians is interesting, to me at least.
Cortana battled against 343 Guilty Spark in Halo: Combat Evolved. UNSC AI's can fight off Forerunner Ancilla. Now, that is defending, I am not claiming that a UNSC AI could beat a Forerunner AI, only hold it back.
According to Halo:Escalations, Halsey 'hacked' into a Contender-class Monitor, the most advanced AI the Forerunners ever created. I call bullshit on that, however, as the only other being to be able to assault a Contender-class AI was the Gravemind itself. So...yeah, humans can't 'hack' into AI. They can leave themselves backdoors and the such to disable them, but hacking implies that whoever is doing that shouldn't be.
Waypoint and the EPWW are both canon, as is the Assembly. I know that the syntax for the Assembly meeting is very odd, but that is how it's written for the Halo: Reach Data Pads. As far as I could tell, dialogue with left pointers was from the Majority, right pointers was the Minority, pointer-/ was the host, single pointers were for votes, and [^] was any other party. Unluckily, Fanfiction does not allow those, so...yeah.
Also, according to those same Data Pads, the UNSC Fleet in 2526 had 30,530 vessels. Now, that's not counting the UEG and Civilian ships. I knew the UNSC Fleet was large, but not that large. It does work out to about 35 ships for 800 planets, however. So, maybe 1,000 at Earth, then bunch at Reach since it's UNSC hub, bunch at inner colonies. Dunno, it is a LOT though.
The Domain is a Precursor AI that is named Abaddon. The Forerunners thought it was a myth, a legendary figure that they called 'The Organon'. I'm not making this stuff up in my own little fanfic here, it IS canon! I swear to you!
Which, now that I think about it, has really interesting implications if 343I is following lore. Seriously, in Halo 6, Cortana could be kicked out of the Domain by Abaddon, as the Precursors EXPLICITLY chose Humanity as the Inheritors of the Mantle of Responsibility, before the Forerunners stole it. Or it could be test, with Abaddon stealing Cortana's face to test the Librarian's choice (that being Chief).
Hah. 343i following their own lore. Pfft.
-evevee